Folding Beijing:
In second space, we see one of the roommates using some sort of virtual reality technology. However the experience seems essentially the same to our current VR – with just more immersive visuals and audio. I think that this concept could be taken further and turned into a fully immersive virtual reality experience. A science-fiction example of this would be something like Ready Player One or Sword Art Online which both feature the use of full-dive VR games where all of the player’s senses are utilized in the game itself. I think a similar concept could be used in Folding Beijing. This new VR could feature the senses of smell and touch, with simulated scents and feelings. A person could actually smell the bread in a simulated bakery or feel a simulated breeze, making the experience even more immersive. I think that this invention wouldn’t be very problematic, since it would only be available to those in high second space and 3rd space. Although within those realms, it may be possible that the use of the tech will eliminate the popularity of in-person interactions.
Reading 2: Newton’s Sleep
In Spes, the environment is sealed, and although some people customize their room with videos of Earth, the complex is mostly barren hallways, reminiscent of sterile hospital corridors. Although the story ends supposedly on a mountain, it is left up to the reader to decide if the ship actually changes or not. However, the concept of an internal climate is interesting. I think that the addition of weather inside of Spes would be very interesting, and also potentially useful. Currently, it is possible to created rainclouds inside, although they are very volatile and inconsistent. I think that the creation of weather and seasons would be beneficial in multiple ways. First, it would give the inhabitants’ internal clocks a more Earth-like cycle. With things like snow and rain occurring in the winter-y seasons and sun in the summer-y seasons. In addition, it is never mentioned how food is grown in Spes, and the addition of rainclouds could help the growth of crops. Also, certain types of plants will only bloom after a cold cycle, so they do not bloom in the incorrect season. The use of seasons inside Spes could also help with this. Artificial weather is not without drawback though. One problem that may occur is seasonal depression. With a lower light level and more depressing weather during certain seasons, inhabitants may encounter mental issues. Another problem may also be issues with drainage and cleanliness of things like rain and snow, although if it is a truly closed system contaminated water would not be a problem.
Reading 3: The Lifecycle of Software Objects
The Lifecycle of Software Objects deals with artificial intelligence and the consequences of machines developing thoughts. However, it does not go into the inverse – what if humans could become the machines themselves. I think that an interesting addition to the story would be the ability to transfer one’s conscious to the virtual world. This concept has been explored in science fiction before, but is very much still fiction. In theory, if you could simulate one’s mind with 100% accuracy and run it virtually, that being would then be a completely virtual conscious version of yourself. I think that in the context of the story, this cold be used to bridge the gap between diginets and the humans, since the physical barrier shared between them will be closed. However, there would be many problems with it, especially since we learn that the diginets can be copied and sold, since it may be possible that the same can happen to humans. This would also create many problems for humans themselves, since a virtual consciousness is no longer bound by a physical human existence. Living forever would then be possible, in theory.